On 30 March 2017 the government published its final periodic review report regarding the regulation of architects and the Architects Registration Board.  This forms part of a wider programme of government reviews which have focused on ensuring public bodies are fit for purpose, well governed and properly accountable.

The review was conducted by the ARB’s sponsoring government department, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), according to Cabinet Office guidelines.  On 30 March 2017, Gavin Barwell MP, the Minister of State for Housing, Planning and Minister for London at DCLG announced the publication of the report.  The review consisted of a two phase process.  Phase one concluded that there remained a case for continued statutory regulation of architects and phase two recommended that ARB’s regulatory functions should remain but recommended changes to governance arrangements and the professional conduct process.  The Government made further recommendations regarding reviewing routes to registration and other matters related to the area of prescription but these were placed on hold until there is clarity regarding the UK’s exit from the EU.  Some of the changes are within the Board’s domain whereas others will require legislative amendment and so are for the Government to take forward.

The final report is available on the gov.uk website and can be viewed here.

On 7 April 2017 the Board met to discuss the Report and received a presentation from DCLG officials setting out the key findings and proposed changes to modernise the governance structures of the Board and reform the complaints handling procedures.  The implementation phase of the review was also an agenda item at the Board meeting on 12 May 2017.  The discussion focussed on the timetable and next steps required for the move to an all appointed Board which is anticipated to take place next spring.